Skills

I focus on protected area management of rain forests, mountains, game parks, and wetland ecosystems.

In particular I aim to improve management of sites and establish new protected areas where necessary.

I am proficient in many biological skills and possess a good general knowledge of current wildlife and conservation issues.

My knowledge and skills are supported by a significant amount of conservation fieldwork, especially in Africa.

I develop and deliver Ecological Monitoring Programmes.

I have designed and carried out many baseline biodiversity field surveys and biological inventories of protected areas.

I am proficient in the use of appropriate data analysis and ecological modelling skills.

I have personally discovered over 20 species new to science, including 3 new species of snake (e.g. Atheris mabuensis), 4 new species of chameleons (e.g. Nadzikambia baylissi), 2 new species of bats (e.g. Rhinolophous mabuensis), 1 new species of frog (Nothophryne baylissi), 3 new species of freshwater crab, 8 new species of butterflies and 1 new species of Iris flower.

I am a Lepidopterist. This has been one of my earliest interests from a young age. For example I have discovered 8 new species of butterfly – see:

I have extensive research experience covering many aspects of Conservation Biology and Ecology. Over the last 25 years l have undertaken scientific research focusing on single species studies, interactions between species, ecosystem modelling, and the use of advanced technology towards conservation management. Such studies have ranged from pure ecological research to conservation management strategies. I have published over 30 scientific papers – See ‘Scientific Papers’ section for further details.

Project Management

I have strong project management, data collection, and integration skills.

I have over 25 years of conservation project management experience. For example I have developed and successfully delivered conservation projects in Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique.

I am experienced in budget management and the necessity to operate within financial constraints. All projects that I have managed have operated within the specified budget.

People Management

I have gained a significant amount of people management experience from managing staff and participants through the World Bank, Global Environment Facility, USAID, Darwin Initiative awards, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Fauna and Flora International, Wildlife Conservation Society, and the Society for Environmental Exploration.

My people management experience includes recruitment, management, assessment and training of conservation staff and volunteers.

I enjoy working with people and feel that interpersonal and management skills are key strengths of mine.

Advanced knowledge of GIS (ArcMAP), GPS, and ERDAS remote sensing software. Through my PhD I have advanced knowledge of GIS functionality. This gave me considerable experience in GIS ‘predictive’ modelling capability and database creation. I also analyse satellite imagery to create land use databases within a GIS platform.

Communications (including media)

I possess excellent communication and diplomatic skills and enjoy working with a wide range of people and organisations. Good communication skills are vital for my current job.

I have a wide range of professional contacts in both governmental and non-governmental organisations.

I regularly give presentations and deliver training workshops.

I have organised and facilitated many meetings, workshops and fora.

I have significant experience of scientific paper and technical report writing (see overleaf for details).